"has not been merely" vs "has not merely been"

Question

"has not been merely" vs "has not merely been"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Has not merely been" is used when emphasizing that something has not only been a certain way but also something else. "Has not been merely" is used when emphasizing that something has not been only a certain way without any additional qualities.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to emphasize that something has not been only a certain way without any additional qualities. It highlights the singular nature of the quality being discussed.

Examples:

His decision has not been merely a mistake; it has been a disaster.
The issue is not merely a technical problem; it is also a financial concern.
Her comment was not merely inappropriate; it was offensive.

Alternatives:

has not been only
has not been just
has not been solely
has not been exclusively
has not been solely

This phrase is used to emphasize that something has not only been a certain way but also something else. It adds an extra layer of meaning to the statement.

Examples:

The project has not merely been successful; it has also been completed ahead of schedule.
She has not merely been a good student; she has also excelled in extracurricular activities.
His work has not merely been satisfactory; it has also been innovative and groundbreaking.

Alternatives:

has not only been
has not just been
has not solely been
has not exclusively been
has not solely been

Answer 1

has not been merely

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something has not been only a certain way without any additional qualities.

Answer 2

has not merely been

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something has not only been a certain way but also something else.

"has not been merely" vs "has not merely been"

has not been merely

has not merely been

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